Inter- and Intraobserver Agreement in First Trimester Ultrasound Evaluation of Placental Biometry

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to assess the clinical applicability of a new analytical software program by determining the inter- and intraobserver agreement for 2D placental biometry and three-dimensional (3D) placental volume (PV) in the first trimester.

METHODS

A prospective study of 25 singleton pregnancies between 11 and 14 weeks was conducted. 3D datasets were captured, and PV was estimated using the Phillips QLAB GI3DQ ultrasound quantification software. The basal plate (BP), chorionic plate (CP), placental thickness (PT), and the free uterine surface (FUS) area not occupied by placenta were considered for 2D biometry evaluation. Each variable was measured in 2 orthogonal planes with mean values used for the analysis. Intra- and interobserver agreement was evaluated.

RESULTS

Intraobserver agreement for both 2D and 3D measurements was high, particularly for the PV and PT (interclass correlation coefficient [ICC] 0.989 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.97-0.99] and ICC 0.936 [95% CI 0.86-0.97], respectively). Interobserver agreement was good for the PV (ICC 0.963 [95% CI 0.91-0.98]), PT (ICC 0.822 [95% CI 0.63-0.91]), and CP (ICC 0.708 [95% CI 0.44-0.86]), but moderate for BP and FUS.

CONCLUSIONS

PV, PT, and CP are reproducible measurements to evaluate first trimester placental biometry. Further research is needed to assess the clinical utility of these variables as predictors of poor obstetric outcomes.

RISK FACTORS FOR HYPOGLYCEMIA IN INPATIENTS WITH TOTAL PARENTERAL NUTRITION AND TYPE 2 DIABETES: A POST HOC ANALYSIS OF THE INSUPAR STUDY

Objective: Treatment of hyperglycemia with insulin is associated with increased risk of hypoglycemia in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN). The aim of this study was to determine the predictors of hypoglycemia in hospitalized T2DM patients receiving TPN. Methods: Post hoc analysis of the INSUPAR study, which is a prospective, open-label, multicenter clinical trial of adult inpatients with T2DM in a noncritical setting with indication for TPN. Results: The study included 161 patients; 31 patients (19.3%) had hypoglycemic events, but none of them was severe. In univariate analysis, hypoglycemia was significantly associated with the presence of diabetes with end-organ damage, duration of diabetes, use of insulin prior to admission, glycemic variability (GV), belonging to the glargine insulin group in the INSUPAR trial, mean daily grams of lipids in TPN, mean insulin per 10 grams of carbohydrates, duration of TPN, and increase in urea during TPN. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that the presence of diabetes with end-organ damage, GV, use of glargine insulin, and TPN duration were risk factors for hypoglycemia. Conclusion: The presence of T2DM with end-organ damage complications, longer TPN duration, belonging to the glargine insulin group, and greater GV are factors associated with the risk of hypoglycemia in diabetic noncritically ill inpatients with parenteral nutrition. Abbreviations: ADA = American Diabetes Association; BMI = body mass index; CV% = coefficient of variation; DM = diabetes mellitus; GI = glargine insulin; GV = glycemic variability; ICU = intensive care unit; RI = regular insulin; T2DM = type 2 diabetes mellitus; TPN = total parenteral nutrition.

Abstract P4-02-03: Cancer phenotype is the key factor in axillary involvement and distant recurrence in early breast cancer

BACKGROUND: Factors by which breast cancer cells invade blood and lymphatic capillaries and metastasize regional lymph nodes and distant sites are not well understood. Genetics, molecular subtype, epidemiological, mechanical and pathological factors are being considered. Once breast cancer cells invade lymphatic or blood vessels the route of spread is still unclear. Cells could access the systemic circulation through the sentinel lymph node or directly avoiding the lymph node step. Molecular subtype is one of the most important factors associated with the risk of metastases. Our objective is to determine the influence of immunophenotype and the sentinel lymph node (SLN) status to predict the risk of locoregional relapses and distant metastases in early breast cancer. In our center we are using a molecular technique (OSNA) to ascertain if there is sentinel lymph node involvement, this technique creates a new continuous variable, Total Tumor Load (TTL), defined as the total number of CK19 mRNA copies in all positive SLN (copies/microL), indicating the total tumor volume of axillary tumor involvement.

METHODS: Clinicopathological and follow up data were obtained from all patients with early breast cancer treated with Tumorectomy (Tx) and Sentinel Lymph Node (SLN) assessed by OSNA with the decision to proceed to ALND based on Z0011 criteria and systemic therapy between 2011 and 2018 at our center (J Clin Oncol 37, 2019 (suppl; abstr 564))

RESULTS: 304 breast cancer patients underwent Tx and SLN assessed by OSNA followed by systemic therapy with an average follow-up of 64.9 months. SLN was positive in 122 cases and negative in 182. SLN negative patients were Luminal A (LA) 58%, Luminal B (LB) 14%, HER2 10% and Triple-Negative (TN) 7%. SLN positive patients were LA 52%, LB 35%, HER2 7% and TN 5%. Mean TTL was 136,244 copies (see table). As of now, 11 patients have had recurrence (locoregional relapse and distant disease): 6 of them with positive SLN (54,54%) and 5 with negative SLN (45,45%). A total of 4 patients have had locoregional relapse, two of them with negative SLN (50%) both non luminal tumors (1 HER2, 1 TN), and 7 have had distant disease, three of them with negative SLN (43%). Only one patient has died from metastatic breast cancer (HER2 positive, SLN negative).

CONCLUSIONS:

1. In our series, almost half of the patients (45%) with recurrence were negative SLN.

2. The probability of recurrence when the sentinel lymph node is negative is higher in HER2 and TN tumors (60%).

3. The probability of recurrence when the SLN is positive is higher in luminal tumors (66,6%).

4. Luminal tumors with positive SLN and large volume axillary involvement (median 1.419.450 copies) have a higher probability of recurrence (statistically significant) than luminal tumors with positive SLN and small volume axillary involvement (median 131.479 copies).

PATIENTS AND OUTCOMES

VARIABLE N=304Number of cases (n,%)Median age, range (years)LOCOREGIONAL RELAPSEMETASTASIC BREAST CANCEREXITUSMean TTL with NO recurrenceMean TTL with recurrencePOSITIVE SLN122 (40%)59,8 (33-87)2 (1,63%)4 (3,27%)0By ImmunophenotypeLuminal A64 (52,4%)59,3 (36-87)1 (1,5%)2 (3,1%)0371.5592.838.333Luminal B43 (35,2%)59,5 (36-84)1 (2,32%)00258.6221600HER29 (7,3%)61 (33-80)01 (11,1%)021.582640Triple Negative6 (5%)59,6 (50-80)01 (16,6%)0108.181184.000NEGATIVE SLN182 (60%)59,3 (27-89)2 (1,09%)3 (1,64%)1 (0,5%)By ImmunophenotypeLuminal A106 (58%)59,3 (33-82)000Luminal B43 (14,1%)59,5 (36-89)1 (2,32%)1 (2,32%)0HER219 (10,4%)59,3 (40-82)01 (5,2%)1 (5,2%)Triple Negative14 (7,7%)59,4 (27-85)1 (7,14%)1 (7,14%)0

Citation Format: José Enrique Alés-Martínez, Raquel Tur, Juan Parra, Ana De Castro, Jaime Ceballos, Rocío Martín, Rosa Ana Marcos, Paz Blanco, MJose Velasco. Cancer phenotype is the key factor in axillary involvement and distant recurrence in early breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2019 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2019 Dec 10-14; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P4-02-03.

There is value in treating elevated levels of diabetes distress: the clinical impact of targeted interventions in adults with Type 1 diabetes

AIM

To compare the effect of targeted interventions to reduce high diabetes distress among adults with Type 1 diabetes with a comparison sample of similar but untreated individuals, and to document the stability of untreated diabetes distress over time.

METHODS

A total of 51 adults with Type 1 diabetes with elevated baseline diabetes distress (distress score ≥ 2.0) and HbA_1c levels (≥ 58 mmol/mol) were identified from a longitudinal, non-intervention study, and compared with a similar sample of 51 participants in an intervention study. Both groups completed the T1-DDS diabetes distress questionnaire at baseline and 9 months.

RESULTS

Large and significant reductions in diabetes distress scores were recorded in the intervention group (mean ± sd change = -0.6 ± 0.6), while minimal change was found in the non-intervention group (-0.2 ± 0.6, group effect P = 0.002; effect size d = 0.67). Additional analyses using the established minimal clinically important difference for the T1-DDS showed that diabetes distress increased significantly (minimal clinically important difference ≥ 1) or persisted at high levels for 51% of participants in the non-intervention group, compared with 23.5% in the intervention group.

CONCLUSION

Our results showed that targeted interventions led to dramatic reductions in diabetes distress compared with a lack of treatment. We also conclude that elevated diabetes distress, when left unaddressed, does not resolve over time and often remains chronic. (Clinical Trials Registry no.: NCT02175732).

Clinical Approach to Flash Glucose Monitoring: An Expert Recommendation

The flash glucose monitoring (FGM) system FreeStyle Libre® is a device that measures interstitial glucose in a very simple way and indicates direction and speed of glucose change. This allows persons with diabetes to prevent hypoglycemic and hyperglycemic events. Scientific evidence indicates that the system can improve glycemic control and quality of life. To obtain the maximum benefit, it is necessary to properly handle glucose values and trends. Due to the generalization of the system use, the purpose of the document is to provide recommendations for the optimal use of the device, not only in the management of glucose values and trends but also in the prevention of hypoglycemia, actuation in exercise, special situations, and retrospective analysis of the glucose data, among others.

No relationship of axillary total tumor load (TTL) by PCR (OSNA) in early breast cancer and local and distant clinical outcomes

564

Background: The study of sentinel lymph nodes (SLN) assessed by One Step Nucleic Acid Amplification (OSNA, Sysmex, Kobe, Japan) creates a new variable, Total Tumor Load (TTL). This variable is defined as the total number of CK19 mRNA copies in all positive SLN (copies/microL). The latest edition of the Spanish Oncological Gynecology Society (SEGO) Guideline (2017) proposes a complete axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) when TTL is 15,000 copies or more in early breast cancer. In our center we are using OSNA to ascertain if there is axillary node involvement but the decision to proceed to ALND is based on Z0011 criteria. We want to determine if there is a correlation between clinical outcomes and TTL values, between TTL and pathological variables and if TTL is a useful tool to decide when to complete an ALND. Methods: Clinicopathological and follow up data were obtained from all patients with invasive breast cancer and SLN assessed by OSNA between 2011 and 2017 at our center. Results: A total of 321 patients underwent SNB assessed by OSNA with an average follow-up of 56 months. 320 were female and 1 male. Age range 27-89 years (mean 58.9). 85 % were ductal, 10 % lobular and 5 % other. 53.5% were luminal A, 28.66% luminal B, 7.78%, triple negative, 4.3%, Her2 positive and 4.3%. luminal B-Her2 positive.TTL was equal to 0 in 183 cases and greater than zero in 138 cases.71 cases showed a TTL higher than 15,000 copies. Only 21 cases met Z0011 criteria and had ALND. As of now, 3 patients have had locoregional relapse and 8 metastatic disease. 12 have died, only two from metastatic breast cancer. Conclusions: Using Z0011 criteria, we have adequate clinical outcomes with a low rate of ALND; If we had based the axillary management on TTL values we would have multiplied the number of ALND by a factor of 3.3 (from 21 to 71); We have observed a tendency to higher TTL in luminal phenotypes and to lower TTL in HER2 positive and triple negative subtypes; Work is in progress to increase our sample size.

Regular insulin added to total parenteral nutrition vs subcutaneous glargine in non-critically ill diabetic inpatients, a multicenter randomized clinical trial: INSUPAR trial

BACKGROUND

There is no established insulin regimen in T2DM patients receiving parenteral nutrition.

AIMS

To compare the effectiveness (metabolic control) and safety of two insulin regimens in patients with diabetes receiving TPN.

DESIGN

Prospective, open-label, multicenter, clinical trial on adult inpatients with type 2 diabetes on a non-critical setting with indication for TPN. Patients were randomized on one of these two regimens: 100% of RI on TPN or 50% of Regular insulin added to TPN bag and 50% subcutaneous GI. Data were analyzed according to intention-to-treat principle.

RESULTS

81 patients were on RI and 80 on GI. No differences were observed in neither average total daily dose of insulin, programmed or correction, nor in capillary mean blood glucose during TPN infusion (165.3 ± 35.4 in RI vs 172.5 ± 43.6 mg/dL in GI; p = 0.25). Mean capillary glucose was significantly lower in the GI group within two days after TPN interruption (160.3 ± 45.1 in RI vs 141.7 ± 43.8 mg/dL in GI; p = 0.024). The percentage of capillary glucose above 180 mg/dL was similar in both groups. The rate of capillary glucose ≤70 mg/dL, the number of hypoglycemic episodes per 100 days of TPN, and the percentage of patients with non-severe hypoglycemia were significantly higher on GI group. No severe hypoglycemia was detected. No differences were observed in length of stay, infectious complications, or hospital mortality.

CONCLUSION

Effectiveness of both regimens was similar. GI group achieved better metabolic control after TPN interruption but non-severe hypoglycemia rate was higher in the GI group.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRY

This trial is registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02706119.

Hereditary Macrothrombocytopenia and Pregnancy

Introduction. Hereditary macrothrombocytopenias (HM) are a group of infrequent disorders characterized by hereditary giant platelets. Little has been published about the course of these diseases during pregnancy and delivery. Subjects and methods. Forty consecutive thrombocytopenic pregnant women were studied. Platelet count, mean platelet volume and blood smear examination were performed. Platelet antibodies were studied by immunofluorescence. Familial study, bleeding time, ultrastructural platelet examination, a von Willebrand disease screening and aggregation tests were carried out when HM was suspected. Results. Four cases of HM were diagnosed. Giant platelets were observed in all cases, with the typical ultrastructural pattern. Dohle-like cytoplasmic inclusions in granulocytes were observed in one case. Platelet antibodies were detected in only one case. No prophylactic measures to prevent haemorrhage were adopted, and all patients underwent vaginal deliveries. Haemorrhagic events were absent in both mothers and children. Conclusions. The prevalence of HM in pregnant trombocytopenic women is higher than assumed. Prophylactic treatment should be avoided in the absence of a history of haemorrhagic complications and obstetrical risk factors.

Influence of cervical cerclage interventions upon the incidence of neonatal death: a retrospective study comparing prophylactic versus rescue cerclages

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of prophylactic and rescue cervical cerclages for pregnant patients with an incompetent cervix, and to assess the neonatal outcomes of both clinical conditions.

METHODS

This was a retrospective observational study of all women who had an elective or rescue cerclage between January 2008 and December 2016 in our institution. Prophylactic cerclage was defined as a cerclage before 16 weeks of gestation, while rescue cerclages were performed between 16 and 23 weeks of gestation.

RESULTS

In total, we analyzed the outcomes of 212 cervical interventions; 71% of the recruited patients experienced prophylactic cerclage, while 29% underwent rescue cerclage. Most of the patients delivered vaginally (70%) and were able to leave the hospital with a healthy newborn (78%). The mean pregnancy prolongation time after cerclage in the prophylactic and rescue groups were 21 weeks and 10 weeks, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Prophylactic cerclage interventions are most likely to be associated with a reduction of fetal demise because of the correlation between fetal prognosis and the gestational age at which cerclage is performed. Once the diagnosis of cervical insufficiency is confirmed, cerclage should be recommended as this will help to prolong the pregnancy.

Abstract P3-01-19: Relationship of axillary total tumor load (TTL) by OSNA (one step nucleic acid amplification) in early breast cancer and clinical outcomes using strict Z0011 study criteria for axilla management

Background: The study of sentinel lymph node (SNL) assessed by OSNA provides a new variable, Total Tumoral Load (TTL).This variable is defined as the amount of CK19 mRNA copies number in all positives SLN. TTL has been showed to predict the axillary node status and has been analysed to determine its usefulness in the axillary surgical management. Based on TTL values different cut-off points have been proposed (last 25.000 copies) to establish a new tool to practice axillary lymph node dissection (ALND). We present the follow-up data of at least 5 years of breast cancer patients who underwent ALND according, strictly, to Z0011 trial criteria. We hypothesized that there will be no correlation between TTL and locoregional relapse if Z0011 are followed.

Methods: Clinicopathological and follow up data were obtained from patients with invasive breast cancer and SLN assessed by OSNA between 2011 and 2012 at Complejo Asistencial de Ávila, Spain. ALND was decided based on Z0011 study criteria independently of TTL. All patients have been followed for a minimun of 5 years.

Results: A total of 106 patients underwent SN assessed by OSNA, age range 27-85 years (mean 58,96). Of them 90% were ductal, 7,5% lobular and 2% others. By inmunophenotype: Luminal A 55%, Luminal B 28%, Triple Negative 9,4%, Her2 positive 3,7% and Luminal B-Her2 positive 2,8%. TTL was equal to zero in 58 cases and greater than zero in 48 cases with a range of 280-2.700.000 copies. Only 5 cases met ALND criteria (average TTL 68.164). Average TTL in cases without ALND was 111.000. For the time being, none of them has had locoregional relapse (median follow up 65 months). 3 patients have died one metastatic desease (Negative SN), one uterine cervix cancer and one neutropenic fever.

Baseline and outcomes dataVARIABLE N%Age, years (median, range) 59 (27-85) Tumour TypeDuctal9690,5 Lobular87,5 Others21,8InmunophenotypeLuminal A5955,6 Luminal B3028,3 Luminal B-Her232,8 Her243,7 Triple Negative109,4Total Tumoral Load (TTL)=05854,7 >04845,2Axillary Lymph Node Dissection (ALND) 254,7TTL >25.000 2321,7Locoregional relapse 00Overall Survival  95,2

Conclusions:

-Using Z0011 criteria and OSNA no locoregional recurrence has been observed so far.

-TTL did not predict risk of recurrence

-If we had based axillary management only on TTL values (i.e higher than 25.000 copies) we would have unnecessarily increased the number of lymphadenectomies in a 22%.

This is an ongoing study that designed to increased the sample size and obtain longer follow-up data.

Citation Format: Tur R, De Grado C, Martin MR, De Castro J, Filipovich E, Segovia B, Ceballos J, Parra J, Revestido R, Alés-Martínez JE. Relationship of axillary total tumor load (TTL) by OSNA (one step nucleic acid amplification) in early breast cancer and clinical outcomes using strict Z0011 study criteria for axilla management [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2017 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2017 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P3-01-19.

Impact of thyroid autoimmunity in euthyroid women on live birth rate after IUI

Study question

Does thyroid autoimmunity (TAI) predict live birth rate in euthyroid women after one treatment cycle in IUI patients?

Summary answer

TAI as such does not influence pregnancy outcome after IUI treatment.

What is known already

The role of TAI on pregnancy outcome in the case of IVF/ICSI is largely debated in the literature. This is the first study to address this issue in the case of IUI.

Study design, size, duration

This was a retrospective cohort study. A two-armed study design was performed: patients anti-thyroid peroxidase (TPO)+ and patients anti-TPO-. All patients who started their first IUI cycle in our fertility center between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2014 were included. After exclusion of those patients with or being treated for thyroid dysfunction, 3143 patients were finally included in the study.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

After approval by the institutional review board we retrospectively included all patients who started their first IUI cycle in our center between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2014 with follow-up of outcome until 31 December 2015. Patients with clinical thyroid dysfunction were excluded (thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) <0.01 mIU/l; TSH >5 mIU/l) as were patients under treatment with levothyroxine or anti-thyroid drugs. These patients were then divided into two main groups: patients anti-TPO+ and patients anti-TPO- (= control group). Live birth delivery after 25 weeks of gestation was taken as the primary endpoint of our study. As a secondary endpoint, we evaluated differences in live birth delivery after IUI according to different upper limits of preconception TSH thresholds (<2.5 and <5.0 mIU/l). Furthermore, the influence of thyroid function (TSH, free thyroxine (fT4)), anti-TPO status, age, smoking, BMI, parity, ovarian reserve (anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) and FSH), IUI indication and IUI stimulation on live birth rate was analyzed.

Main results and the role of chance

Between-group comparison did not show any significant difference between the anti-TPO+ and anti-TPO- group with respect to live birth delivery-, pregnancy- or miscarriage rate with odds ratio at 1.04 (95% CI: 0.63; 1.69), 0.98 (95% CI: 0.62; 1.55) and 0.74 (95% CI: 0.23; 2.39), respectively. In addition, there were no significant differences in live birth delivery-, pregnancy- or miscarriage rate when comparing subgroups according to TSH level (TSH ≥2.5 mIU/l vs. TSH <2.5 mIU/l) with an odds ratio at 1.05 (95% CI: 0.76; 1.47), 1.04 (95% CI: 0.77; 1.41) and  0.95 (95% CI: 0.47; 1.94), respectively.

Limitations, reasons for caution

This study was powered for the primary aim, live birth rate. The limitations of this study are the absence of region-specific reference ranges for thyroid hormones and the absence of follow-up of TSH values during ART and subsequent pregnancy. Moreover, there was a time difference of 5 months between thyroid assessment and the start of stimulation. The area where the study was conducted corresponds to a mild iodine deficient area and data should be translated with caution to areas with different iodine backgrounds.

Wider implications of the findings

Our findings indicate comparable pregnancy-, abortion- and delivery rates in women with and without TAI undergoing IUI. Moreover, we were unable to confirm a negative effect of TSH level above 2.5 mIU/l on live birth delivery rate. We therefore believe that advocating Levothyroxine treatment at TSH levels between 2.5 and 4 mIU/l needs to be considered with caution and requires further analysis in a prospective cohort study.

Study funding/competing interest(s)

No external funding was used for this study. No conflicts of interest are declared.

Laparoscopy during pregnancy: Case report and key points to improve laparoscopic management

CASE REPORT

A 34-year-old woman in her 19th week of gestation was admitted to the Emergency Department of our hospital for acute abdominal pain. The patient was diagnosed with haemoperitoneum. Laparoscopy was performed and revealed acute bleeding from a crumbly superficial uterine vascular network. Haemostasis was achieved and both mother and foetus recovered well after surgery. A caesarean section was performed at 38 weeks, delivering a healthy newborn and revealing that the pregnancy had developed in a rudimentary hemiuterus. Laparoscopy during pregnancy is safe and feasible and can be performed in any trimestre of pregnancy with no differences in perinatal outcomes but, as intervention complexity increases with gestational age, laparoscopy during pregnancy should be performed by experienced surgeons To minimise surgical risk several recommendations should be taken into account: gravid patients should be positioned in a left-tilted supine position, trocar placement should be adjusted to uterine size and gas insuflattion of 10-15mmHg can be used.

Preparation and characterization of injectable PMMA-strontium-substituted bioactive glass bone cement composites

In most minimally-invasive procedures used to address severe pain arising from compression fractures of the vertebral bodies, such as percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP), a poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) bone cement is used. Shortcomings of this type of cement, such as high exotherm temperature and lack of bioactivity, are well known. We prepared different formulations of a composite bone cement, whose solid constituents consisted of PMMA beads and particles of a bioactive glass (BG), where 0-20%(w/w) of the calcium component was substituted by strontium. The difference between the formulations was in the relative amounts of the solid phase constituents and in the Sr-content of BG. We determined the influence of the mixture of solid phase constituents of the cement formulation on a collection of properties, such as maximum exotherm temperature (T_max ), setting time (t_set ), and injectability (I). The selection of the PMMA beads was crucial to obtain cement composite formulations capable to be efficiently injected. Results allowed to select nine solid phase mixtures to be further tested. Then, we determined the influence of the composition of these composite bone cements on T_max , t_set , I, and cell proliferation. The results showed that the performance of various of the selected composite cements was better than that of PMMA cement reference, with lower T_max , lower t_set , and higher I. We found that incorporation of Sr-substituted BGs into these materials bestows bioactivity properties associated with the role of Sr in bone formation, leading to some composite cement formulations that may be suitable for use in PVP. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 106B: 1245-1257, 2018.

In vitro study of the proliferation and growth of human fetal osteoblasts on Mg and Si co-substituted tricalcium phosphate ceramics

The objective of this work was to study the feasibility of the solid state sintering, a conventional ceramic processing method, to obtain Mg and Si co-substituted tricalcium phosphate bioceramics and composites containing diopside. A series of new Ca₃ (PO₄ )₂ based ceramics has been prepared from attrition milled mixtures of synthetic Ca₃ (PO₄ )₂ and CaMg(SiO₃ )₂ powders, isostatically pressed and sintered at 1250-1300°C. Materials containing 0, 1, and 5 wt % of CaMg(SiO₃ )₂ were constituted by β + α - Ca₃ (PO₄ )₂ solid solutions while the material containing 60 wt % of CaMg(SiO₃ )₂ was a constituted by β- Ca₃ (PO₄ )₂ and CaMg(SiO₃ )₂ . The biological responses of the developed ceramics were studied in vitro using human fetal osteoblast cultures. Culture times ranged from 1 to 21 days. The new family of materials promotes the adhesion and proliferation of human osteoblasts cultured onto their surface forming a monolayer and showing a normal morphology. The results of the MTT and Alamar Blue assays showed that the soluble components extracted from the Mg/Si- co-substituted Ca₃ (PO₄ )₂ and the Ca₃ (PO₄ )₂ -CaMg(SiO₃ )₂ composite were noncytotoxic. The specimens with diopside exhibited a better in vitro behavior which is attributed to the release of Si and Mg ions to the culture medium, enhancing the activity of cells. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 2266-2275, 2017.

Biocompatibility and Corrosion Protection Behaviour of Hydroxyapatite Sol-Gel-Derived Coatings on Ti6Al4V Alloy

The aim of this work was to prepare hydroxyapatite coatings (HAp) by a sol-gel method on Ti6Al4V alloy and to study the bioactivity, biocompatibility and corrosion protection behaviour of these coatings in presence of simulated body fluids (SBFs). Thermogravimetric/Differential Thermal Analyses (TG/DTA) and X-ray Diffraction (XRD) have been applied to obtain information about the phase transformations, mass loss, identification of the phases developed, crystallite size and degree of crystallinity of the obtained HAp powders. Fourier Transformer Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) has been utilized for studying the functional groups of the prepared structures. The surface morphology of the resulting HAp coatings was studied by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The bioactivity was evaluated by soaking the HAp-coatings/Ti6Al4V system in Kokubo's Simulated Body Fluid (SBF) applying Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) spectrometry. 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) and Alamar blue cell viability assays were used to study the biocompatibility. Finally, the corrosion behaviour of HAp-coatings/Ti6Al4V system was researched by means of Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS). The obtained results showed that the prepared powders were nanocrystalline HAp with little deviations from that present in the human bone. All the prepared HAp coatings deposited on Ti6Al4V showed well-behaved biocompatibility, good bioactivity and corrosion protection properties.

Clinical and ultrasound features of benign, borderline, and malignant invasive mucinous ovarian tumors

OBJECTIVE

To compare clinical and sonographic features of benign, borderline, and malignant invasive mucinous ovarian tumors (MOTs).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Retrospective observational multicenter study comprising 365 women (mean age: 46.1 years) with a histologically confirmed benign, borderline or malignant invasive MOT. Clinical data (patient's age, patient's complaints), tumor markers (CA-125 and CA-1 9.9), and sonographic data (tumor size, bilaterality, morphology -unilocular, multilocular, unilocular-solid, multilocular-solid and solid-, and IOTA color score) were reviewed and compared among these three groups. Women with ultrasound evidence on intra-abdominal disease spread were excluded.

RESULTS

Three hundred seventy-eight MOTs (14 women had bilateral lesions) were analyzed. Histologically, 287 tumors were benign, 51 were borderline, and 40 were malignant. No difference in patient's mean age was observed. Women with borderline or invasive tumors were less frequently asymptomatic. Tumors were larger in case of invasive lesions. Borderline and invasive tumors showed solid components and exhibited IOTA color score 3 or 4, more frequently than benign lesions (p < 0.001). However, the authors discovered that 16 out of 51 (31.4%) of borderline tumors and six out of 40 (15.0%) of invasive cancers had no solid components and a color score 1 or 2, and were considered as a benign lesion by the sonolo- gist. On the other hand, 96 out of 287 (33.4%) benign mucinous cystadenoma exhibited solid components and/or a color score of 3 or 4.

CONCLUSIONS

In spite of statistical differences, the authors observed significant overlapping in ultrasound features among benign, borderline, and invasive ovarian mucinous tumors that renders a difficult accurate preoperative discrimination among these lesions.